By Pastor Ryan Stockstrom

Harvest Church

Fall in Minnesota brings cool mornings, changing leaves, and—if you know me—plenty of hunting and archery metaphors. There’s something about aiming, focus, and patience that parallels the life of faith.

An archer improves accuracy not by shooting closer targets but by practicing farther ones. If you want to hit a target at 20 yards, train at 60. The farther you aim, the steadier you become. That same principle applies spiritually: God calls His people to aim higher, stretch farther, and not settle for a comfortable faith.

In Genesis, we read about Terah, Abraham’s father, who set out for Canaan but stopped halfway in a city called Harran. It was comfortable, prosperous, and familiar—but it wasn’t the destination God intended. Terah settled.

How easy that is for all of us. We find a comfortable rhythm, a familiar way of living, and decide, “This is far enough.” But faith is a journey, and God rarely calls His people to stay where it’s easy. He calls us to trust Him enough to keep moving forward.

Abraham was seventy-five when God told him to leave Harran and go to a new land. That alone should remind us that it’s never too late for a new beginning. God’s call doesn’t expire with age, experience, or comfort level.

Sometimes, to move us forward, God has to unsettle us. Isaiah 43 reminds us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Our God is always doing something fresh in the lives of His people. The danger isn’t that we fail to recognize His power—it’s that we grow too comfortable to respond to it.

When God led Abraham outside his tent and told him to look up at the stars, He wasn’t just giving Abraham a promise—He was expanding his vision. Maybe that’s what some of us need today: to step outside the tent of routine and comfort, lift our eyes, and see that God has more in store.

So what does it look like for believers to “aim higher” in their walk with Christ? Here are three reminders that can help all of us keep pressing forward.

1. Think Generationally.

God’s work is never meant to stop with one person or one generation. Each of us carries a responsibility to pass on faith to those coming behind us. The psalmist said, “One generation commends Your works to another.”

It’s easy to focus on what we need from God right now and forget the legacy we’re building. But lasting impact comes when we invest in the next generation—our children, grandchildren, students, and young believers who are still discovering what it means to walk with Christ. Faith grows stronger when it’s shared forward.

2. Try Something New.

The Bible is literally full of men and women who took risks to follow God.  Peter stepped on the water.  Abram left Harran for Canaan.  Jesus stepped out of the comfort of heaven.  Do you feel God calling you to invest in something or someone?  Or to step out of your comfort zone in your faith?  If we don’t take risks when God is calling us, we’ll never enter the newness He has for us.  Take a risk for God!

3. Never Lose Sight of the One.

Jesus told stories about shepherds leaving the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that was lost. That heart still defines the mission of every believer.

Who’s the “one” God might be placing on your heart? A coworker, a neighbor, or someone you’ve lost touch with who needs encouragement or prayer? Sometimes the simplest act of kindness—a listening ear, a shared meal, a sincere word—can open a door for someone to experience God’s love.

Spiritual growth isn’t just about gaining more knowledge; it’s about living out love, one person at a time. When we focus on the “one,” we reflect the heart of Jesus.

God’s people are called to live with holy restlessness—a desire to grow deeper, reach wider, and love better. The Christian life isn’t about settling where it’s safe; it’s about trusting God enough to step into the unknown with faith and courage.

Maybe lately you’ve felt stuck—spiritually dry, tired, or content just coasting. If so, let this be your gentle nudge from heaven: God has more for you. Step outside. Look up at the stars again. There’s still more to believe for, more to build, more to give, and more to love.

Don’t settle for Harran when God’s calling you to Canaan.

Keep aiming higher.